Arrangement for storing and transporting solid materials

Abstract

The present invention relates to an arrangement for packing and transporting solid material that involves the association of a holding and supporting frame with malleable containers in order to allow convenient, safe handling and transport thereof, wherein the collapsible frame is formed by the assembly of a base, made of rails that can be articulated with one another, having vertical posts that are inserted into said base and are kept in place by crossbars, wherein the components are fastened using fastening devices.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTIVE REPORT

[0002] ARRANGEMENT FOR STORAGE AND TRANSPORTATION OF SOLID MATERIALS

[0003] Field of innovation

[0004]

[0001] The present innovation belongs to the field of container retention and support structures, more specifically a metal structure formed of elements that are interlocked to form a framework for the attachment and support of a malleable container placed in the structure.

[0005] History of innovation

[0006]

[0002] The generation, packaging, transportation and disposal of waste has an important environmental bias, whether due to the increasing generation of waste, the search for greater efficiency in its packaging and transportation, as well as the incessant search for an environmentally correct disposal through the search for innovative techniques that are not always possible or economically viable.

[0007]

[0003] The construction and industrial sector has been constantly seeking alternatives to reduce waste generation, as environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. This isn't always possible, as there are often no viable technical alternatives for such a traditional sector. Not to mention that population growth demands ever-increasing inputs, resulting in greater waste generation.

[0008]

[0004] An important factor that hinders greater efficiency in the correct separation and packaging of waste is the recurring use of unskilled labor, often incapable of having the necessary discernment to know the differences between the classes of waste that are generated in the main activity.

[0009]

[0005] In view of this, there is sometimes an improper mixing of waste, which leads to increased disposal, transportation and disposal costs, in addition to a greater risk to the environment, as this makes 100% correct separation difficult, if not impossible, with inappropriate waste being sent to inappropriate locations.

[0010]

[0006] The construction and industrial sector traditionally uses skips made entirely of steel or iron plates to store and transport the dry waste they generate. These structures present several problems, which this innovation aims to solve.

[0011]

[0007] The traditionally used dumpsters present the following problems when viewed from the generator's perspective: a) because a single type of dumpster is used to store all types of dry waste generated in construction and industry, the waste is packaged mixed together, that is, inert waste with recyclable waste, with non-recyclable waste, with hazardous waste, all placed in a single container; this is largely due to the lack of training of the workforce used; b) in addition to the environmental problems of mixing, since each waste must have a destination, there is an additional cost for the generator, since there is no separation at the source, requiring it to be carried out at the destination; waste at the wrong destination must be packaged again and sent to the correct location, requiring additional labor and transportation;c) Traditional dumpsters usually lack lids, which compromises and worsens the waste situation, as they are exposed to rain, compromising recycling and distorting weight measurements. A good example is gypsum, which absorbs water, becomes more expensive to dispose of, and makes recycling impossible. This factor is further exacerbated when dealing with hazardous waste, as rainwater infiltration generates an often toxic leachate, which invariably percolates into the soil. d) Another important point to be addressed is the documentation to be generated. Every dumpster must be disposed of correctly, and dumpsters with mixed waste make it difficult to accurately report the volumes generated, which directly affects the accuracy of the documents required for verification with environmental agencies, specifically the CDF (Certificate of Final Disposal), documentation required for construction site approval in the case of civil construction.e) traditional skips weigh around 400 kilos, which poses a risk of accidents when lifting and placing them on construction sites, given the intense circulation of workers on site; these risks are aggravated when removing the skips, as their weight increases due to the waste they contain; f) the traditional skip must necessarily be delivered by multi-crane trucks, which obviously means slow delivery and removal.;

[0012]

[0008] These buckets present the following problems, when seen from the transporter's perspective: a) transport trucks (multi-cranes) have a limit of one, two or three buckets transported at a time, depending on the type of vehicle used; b) the traditional bucket transporter removes one bucket and leaves another, making the so-called exchange, having a low yield in logistics; c) traditional buckets are invariably damaged in the generator, due to movement by machines (skid steer loader, backhoe loader), causing losses to the transporter; d) high risk of accidents on site, since we are talking about buckets weighing from 3 to 5 thousand kilos when containing waste; e) the high cost of manufacturing and maintenance of current equipment.

[0009] Traditionally used dumpsters present the following problems when viewed from the disposal point of view: a) waste contained in traditional dumpsters is usually mixed, necessarily causing segregation work and rework of transportation; b) loss for the disposal point, since it is difficult for the undesirable waste contained in the dumpsters to be paid for by the generator to be disposed of in the correct places.

[0013]

[0010] In contrast to these difficulties, the present innovation has the advantages of having a support structure, which performs the role of the buckets, composed of a metal structure formed by crossbars and tubes, dismountable, which receives a malleable container, like a "bag", normally in traction-resistant fabric, such as "kevlar".

[0014]

[0011] Using the solution proposed in this innovation, the capacity of multi-crane trucks is increased without any changes to the equipment, as the transportation of bags has a much higher throughput. For example, a truck that carries two traditional buckets can carry up to six malleable containers.

[0015]

[0012] In this scenario, heavier waste, such as limestone, ceramics and soil, is naturally discouraged from being placed in the "bag" because this type of container appears to be more fragile when compared to traditional iron or steel buckets, leading workers to avoid such disposal, generating true environmental education through a transversal route.

[0016]

[0013] The structure of this innovation, by discouraging the mixing of waste, makes its disposal less costly for the generator, as previously explained.

[0017]

[0014] The smaller mixture also impacts the greater accuracy of the environmental documentation to be prepared for environmental agencies, thus making it possible to consider the real volumes.

[0018]

[0015] Covering the structure with the fabric of the malleable container itself prevents bad weather from affecting the quality of recyclable waste, as well as increasing its value at disposal.

[0019]

[0016] Because it is dismountable, the metal structure can be placed in the generator just once, and can even be delivered by a small car, such as a pickup truck, with only the container being changed when necessary, providing greater agility in the delivery of the structure and the first "bag" and safety when removing the waste.

[0020]

[0017] The bags may contain color-coded identification, helping workers know which waste goes in each container.

[0021]

[0018] The conveyor, using the solution of the present innovation, removes one bag and leaves another, with the support structure remaining in place. The throughput is undoubtedly higher when compared to the traditional method.

[0022]

[0019] The absence of risk of moving the buckets in the generator when using machines makes it possible to significantly reduce damage to the equipment.

[0023]

[0020] Furthermore, it is possible to infer a minimum risk of accidents at the place of use, since the "bags" would only contain light waste, which is the reality of recyclable, non-recyclable and hazardous waste when compared to limestone, ceramics and soil.

[0024]

[0021] Another advantage for the transporter is that when the first delivery of the metal structure and the bag to the generator is made by a light vehicle.

[0025]

[0022] The better separation in the generator using the structures of the present innovation allows the volume of desirable waste to increase, generating financial gain for the disposer. Discussion of the prior art

[0026]

[0023] Various models of structures for supporting containers exist on the market, especially in the form of buckets, which are rigid containers used to contain malleable containers. However, they suffer from restrictions regarding size and shape, developed with more restricted objectives and for specific use in predetermined situations.

[0027]

[0024] Document BR202020013182, for example, refers to a special multi-crane bucket, adapted for drainage and dewatering functions with geosynthetic pipes or bags; containing drainage spacers at the vertices of the largest faces, bottom drains, fixing eyelets, possibility of covering the largest internal surfaces in geonetwork to improve surface drainage and geosynthetic dewatering pipe.

[0028]

[0025] Document PI1102589 discloses a bag having a flexible, foldable cubic body whose bottom and sides are sewn together. A top-opening lid covers the entire surface of the body, and a closing device is arranged with an integral zipper that covers the upper sides of the bag and is arranged with metal handles or sliders. An integral Velcro fastener is arranged on the inside of a flap screen that covers the upper sides of the bag, and tapes are located at the upper corners of the bag to secure the bag to the side walls of a truck bed. This system is used for transporting products in the back of utility vehicles.

[0029]

[0026] Document BR202020009781 refers to a special bucket adapted for drainage and dewatering functions with geosynthetic pipes or bags. Designed as a bucket of varying dimensions, containing a sealing tilting door, drainage spacers at the corners of the largest faces, bottom drains, fixing eyelets, the possibility of covering the largest internal surfaces with geonetwork to improve surface drainage, and a geosynthetic dewatering tube. The bucket's effluent drainage feature includes a tilting door formed with drainage spacers at the corners of the faces, allowing for the optimization of effluent transportation from water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants.

[0030]

[0027] A flexible packaging comprising an inner housing and an outer housing, which has a pouch with a sealable lid on the corresponding pouch, is disclosed in EP3689783. The inner housing is dustproof and has a flap extending from the upper peripheral edge of the packaging. The flap is placed between the inner lid of the inner housing and the lid of the outer housing when the packaging is closed. The flap is used to cover the closure unit of the inner lid. The closure unit of the lid of the inner housing is covered by a pocket unit of the outer housing.

[0031]

[0028] U.S. patent US9169061 discloses a bag having an opening for introducing material into an internal space defined by the top, sides, and bottom of the bag. A flap is sealed at or beyond the opening, where the seal is provided by a hook-and-loop closure system, e.g., Velcro. An inner liner bag has excess material around one end of the opening along a direction that is greater than a corresponding distance along the same direction of the containment bag.

[0032]

[0029] US20150210470 discloses a semi-underground system having a lid removably attached to a utility chamber to cover an opening in a portion of the utility chamber that is above a ground surface. A liner stores waste and includes reinforcing components. A liner is located within the utility chamber and secured to the lid through the opening. The reinforcing components include sufficient strength to prevent the liner from expanding or becoming trapped in the utility chamber after waste is inserted into the liner or when the lid is removed from the utility chamber to dispose of the waste.

[0033]

[0030] The solution provided for in PI0905676-9 provides an environmental protection system for ship unloading comprising portable covers made of transparent polymeric film, where structural arches are composed of fiber channel tubes and polymeric resin that fix the film.

[0034]

[0031] In WO2020150644, there is a shipping container for a temperature-sensitive cargo, which includes an insulated base with a bottom wall and four side walls, where a first thermally conductive member is positioned on the bottom wall and a payload box is centered on top of the first thermally conductive member and four frozen packages, each with a thickness corresponding to the height of the payload box, positioned along the four sides of the payload box.

[0035]

[0032] Document USRE48199 discloses a non-self-supporting containment bag used in conjunction with a refuse container for the disposal of railway waste, having a central opening extending through the top of the bag, substantially centered on the top of the bag, where the upper part of the bag is formed with sufficient overhang material at the ends of the rectangular shaped bag to allow the upper part to be inverted over the sides of the container.

[0036]

[0033] Thus, it is clear that the state of the art has no similarity with the object of the present application and does not present solutions that conflict with the present description, which deals with an arrangement for containment and transport of solid material formed by the association between a structure composed of elements joined together with a malleable container supported inside by the setting of handles. Description of the figures

[0037]

[0034] Figure 1 presents an exploded view of the structure of the proposed innovation, showing the vertical posts (1), the side bars (2), the cross bars (3) and the articulated base (4).

[0038]

[0035] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the articulated base (4), where its articulated frames (4A and 4B) and its support shoes (5) can be seen.

[0039]

[0036] Figure 3 shows the structure (10) of the present innovation assembled, where the front crossbar (3A) fixed to the vertical posts (1) in a low position, closer to the articulated base (4), the three types of fixing (6A, 6B and 6C) and the upper bar (12) can be seen.

[0040]

[0037] Figure 4 provides an illustration of the types of fixing used in the structure of the present innovation, with the upper fixing of the bar to the post (6A), the adjustable fixing of the bar to the post (6B) and the fixing of the post to the base (6C).

[0041]

[0038] Figure 5 represents the malleable container (7) of the present innovation, where its front opening (8), the handles (9) for suspension and a tying strap (13) can be seen.

[0042]

[0039] Figure 6 represents the arrangement of the present innovation in use mode, where the structure (10) supporting the malleable container (7) inside and the cover (11) can be seen.

[0043]

[0040] Figure 7 represents the arrangement of the present innovation in closed use mode, where the structure (10) supporting the malleable container (7) inside and the cover (11) covering the opening can be seen.

[0044]

[0041] Figure 8 represents the arrangement of the present innovation in the first stage of operation, where the structure (10) can be seen free from the malleable container (7) suspended by the equipment.

[0045]

[0042] Figure 9 represents the arrangement of the present innovation in a second moment of the operating mode, where the structure (10) can be seen free of the malleable container (7) already placed in the equipment.

[0046] Description of innovation

[0047]

[0043] The innovation proposed here consists of an innovative arrangement for the packaging and transportation of solid material, such as waste or similar, where a structure (10) for supporting malleable containers (7), such as "big bags" and similar, which articulate with the component elements of the structure (10) so as to form a cavity for receiving materials to be transported, as can be seen in Figure 6.

[0048]

[0044] The structure (10) of the present innovation is formed by the association of a set of elements that, when fitted together, form a suitable support for the malleable container (7), as illustrated in Figure 6. These elements, represented in Figure 1, comprise: a) an articulated base (4), composed of two identical frames (4A and 4B), joined laterally by joints that allow one of the frames (4B) to be tilted over the other (4A), as seen in Figure 2; b) a set of 6 vertical posts (1), which are rigidly fitted to the articulated base (4); and c) a set of 7 horizontal bars (2, 3) that are fitted to the vertical posts (1), with the upper bar (12) being curved to prevent the accumulation of water when the structure (10) is closed by the cover (11).

[0049]

[0045] As seen in Figure 3, the elements fit together to form a three-dimensional structure in an essentially parallelepiped shape, where the vertical posts (1) fit into corresponding openings in the articulated base (4), being fixed by fastening elements (6C) that promote the rigidity necessary for fitting, such as levers or screws with threads that allow pressing the vertical post (1) into its place of use.

[0050]

[0046] The vertical posts (1), in turn, receive the side bars (2), the cross bars (3) and the upper bar (12) to form the final structure, being fixed by the corresponding fixing devices (6A and 6B) to promote the desired setting.

[0051]

[0047] As can be seen in Figure 3, the front crossbar (3A) is fixed to the vertical posts (1) in a lower position in relation to the others, positioning itself closer to the articulated base (4), allowing better access to the structure. Thus, it can be seen that the fixing elements (6B) allow adjustment at this height, in order to vary the height of the front crossbar (3A) in relation to the articulated base (4).

[0052]

[0048] The articulated base (4), in turn, is formed by two coinciding frames (4A and 4B), joined laterally to each other by articulation elements, such as hinges or similar, which allow one of the frames (4B) to be tilted over the other frame (4A).

[0053]

[0049] Additionally, the frames (4A and 4B) are equipped with shoes (5) that provide support on the ground, suspending the structure in relation to the floor where it is located for use.

[0054]

[0050] Once the structure has been formed, as previously described, it is capable of receiving the malleable container (7) inside it, which is supported by means of its handles (9), which interact with the elements of the structure (10), notably the crossbars (3) and the upper bar (12), so as to allow its support, functioning as linking or coupling elements. In its front part, a mobile portion of the malleable container (7) configures a front opening (8) to facilitate access to the interior of the malleable container (7).

[0051] The arrangement of the present innovation then works by associating the structure (10) with the malleable container (7), as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7.As can be seen, the arrangement can be presented in an open mode (Figure 6), where the covering (11) is retracted and attached to the rear portion of the structure, or in a closed mode (Figure 7), when the covering (11) extends over the entire upper portion of the arrangement, overlapping the edges of the structure (10) and the malleable container (7), preventing bad weather from reaching the material contained therein.

[0055]

[0052] Its handling, seen in Figures 8 and 9, uses equipment, such as a multi-crane truck or "brook", from which lashing elements, such as ropes or chains, are attached to the handles (9) of the malleable container (7) which, in addition to closing the opening of the malleable container (7), allow the suspension of the malleable container (7) and its transfer for transport, keeping its opening closed by the lashing strap (13).

[0056]

[0053] This innovation is not limited to the representations discussed or illustrated herein, and should be understood in its broad scope. Many modifications and other representations of the innovation will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this innovation belongs, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the preceding descriptions and accompanying drawings. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific form disclosed, and that modifications and other forms are understood to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive manner and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1) Arrangement for storage and transport of solid materials characterized by comprising the association of a structure (10) with a malleable container (7), said structure (10) being formed by a set of elements that are interlocked with each other, comprising an articulated base (4), vertical posts (1) and horizontal bars (2, 3), said elements fitting together to form a three-dimensional structure in the shape of an essentially parallelepiped, where the vertical posts (1) fit into corresponding openings in the articulated base (4), being fixed by fixing elements (6C), said vertical posts (1), in turn, receive the side bars (2) and the cross bars (3) fixed by the corresponding fixing devices (6A and 6B), where the front cross bar (3A) is fixed to the vertical posts (1) in an adjustable position, said articulated base (4) being formed by two coinciding frames (4A and 4B),joined laterally to each other by articulation elements so as to allow one of the frames (4B) to be tilted over the other frame (4A) and, furthermore, said frames (4A and 4B) are equipped with shoes (5) that provide support on the ground, suspending the structure in relation to the floor where it is allocated for use, and said malleable container (7) being equipped with handles (9) for crimping, a front opening (8) and a cover (11), with the malleable container (7) being accommodated inside the structure (10) and crimping therein by means of its handles (9), which interact with the crossbars (3) and with the upper bar (12), being kept closed by a tying strap (13).,

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